South Korea to Host International Fleet Review in Busan, Japanese Warships May Attend Amid Controversy
Seoul, August 28 – The South Korean Navy has announced plans to hold an international fleet review in Busan next May, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of its founding and the country’s liberation. The event, part of the Busan International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition, is expected to draw military vessels from various nations, including potentially those from Japan, a move that could stir controversy due to the symbolism attached to the Japanese naval ensign.
According to military sources on August 28, the 2024 defense budget includes funding for the fleet review, amounting to approximately 40 billion Korean won (USD 214 million). This will mark the first such event since 2018, with the Navy anticipating the participation of allied and defense cooperation countries.
Navy officials have indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding the list of invitees. If past events are any indication, navies from the United States, Japan, Australia, China, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Indonesia, and Singapore may be among those participating. However, the potential involvement of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has raised eyebrows, as their ships traditionally fly the Rising Sun flag, a symbol that is highly contentious in South Korea due to its association with Japan’s militaristic past.
In 2018, during the Moon Jae-in administration, the JMSDF did not participate in the fleet review after South Korea requested that they refrain from displaying the Rising Sun flag during the海上阅兵, a key component of the event. The South Korean government at the time took into account public sentiment against the flag, but Japan declined to comply with the request, leading to their absence.
The尹锡悦 administration, which places a greater emphasis on trilateral security cooperation with the United States and Japan, as well as bilateral cooperation with Japan, may not impose the same restrictions on the display of the flag. This could spark a renewed debate in South Korea, where the Rising Sun flag remains a sensitive issue.
The presence of the JMSDF, with or without the flag, will inevitably draw attention to the complex relationship between South Korea and Japan, two countries with a long history of disputes over historical issues and territorial claims. The international fleet review, typically a display of military cooperation and diplomatic camaraderie, may become a platform for addressing these tensions.
As preparations for the event unfold, it remains to be seen how the two nations will navigate the delicate balance between fostering military cooperation and respecting each other’s sensitivities. The international community will be watching closely, as the Busan fleet review has the potential to set the tone for future interactions between South Korea and Japan, as well as their partners in the region.
In the meantime, the South Korean Navy is expected to finalize details of the event, including participant countries and protocol matters, in the coming months. The international fleet review will undoubtedly be an opportunity for the country to showcase its naval capabilities, while also presenting a diplomatic challenge in managing the symbolism and historical implications of the participating vessels.
Key Points:
- South Korea’s Navy will host an international fleet review in Busan in May 2024 to mark the 80th anniversary of its founding and liberation.
- The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force may participate, potentially flying the controversial Rising Sun flag.
- The 2018 fleet review saw Japan’s absence due to a disagreement over the flag’s display.
- The尹锡悦 administration’s emphasis on regional security cooperation could affect the decision on flag restrictions.
- The event will be a diplomatic test for managing historical tensions between South Korea and Japan.
【source】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240828000300881?section=news&input=rss
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